I’m considering the roots of courage this morning.
I listened to an NPR Morning Edition interview with Charlayne Hunter-Gault, who was one of the first two black students to attend the University of Georgia fifty years ago. The story is familiar and reflects the turmoil and bigotry of those times.
At one point, Hunter-Gault talks matter-of-factly about bricks being thrown through her dormitory window during a riot soon after her arrival on campus. She casually adds that, as a nineteen-year-old girl, her first concern was that the glass would get in her clothes, not yet unpacked and still lying on the floor. I had to smile at this image of a young black woman facing more hatred and violence than I ever have, worrying about her clothes, just like any other young woman might do.
Then another thought occurred to me:
What is the difference between this nineteen-year-old and other nineteen-year-olds who would probably be much more reluctant to put themselves in harm’s way, to expose themselves to verbal abuse, physical abuse, and the threat of death, for simply earning the right to attend a college?
That she was a high achiever probably helps, but many people are high achievers and an outstanding grade point average does not mean that one will do the right or the courageous thing. Very smart and accomplished people do dumb or cowardly things all the time. Ironically, on this same program and day , Ellen Wiess announced her resignation after the furor over the firing of Juan Williams. This competent and long-time senior executive at NPR mishandled one situation in a very large way.
That her mother walked beside her as she entered the campus grounds on the first volatile day of school speaks volumes. Many educators point to parental involvement or lack thereof as critical to the development of a young person. However, Hunter-Gault still had to stay “in the cauldron” after parents, lawyers, and other supporters have gone. She had to sleep in that lonely dorm room with the crowds outside actively insulting her and calling for her removal and even for her death.
Hunter-Gault talks of a strong sense of conviction, that they were doing the right thing, even in the face of such fierce opposition (or perhaps because of that opposition). Maybe making the choice to do what you need to do is essential, although I have seen people motivated solely by hatred or greed act just as certain of the “rightness” of their place.
An important caveat here is that we look back on events such as this knowing how it all comes out. When you have the comfort of historical context, analysis is easier. In that dorm room, no such assurances or knowledge were present.
I have no easy answers to my question, but I remain very curious about what gives some people the kind of courage displayed by Hunter-Gault.
What do you think causes a person to be able to act in such a courageous fashion?
John E. Smith is a high energy and engaging teacher, facilitator, and coach with a passion for helping others improve their performance. Using adult learning theory, he helps individuals and groups understand and adapt their communication and decision-making behaviors to work more effectively together. He blogs regularly about leadership, learning, and human behavior at The Strategic Learner and welcomes connections on both LinkedIn and Facebook. He shares knowledge on The Strategic Learning Group LLC Facebook page. You can follow John on Twitter: ID is @stratlearner or join him on Empire Avenue, an online game of influence and collaboration.
Missouri raised and educated, John lives in the suburban St. Louis area, close to family, friends, and the best toasted ravioli on the planet.
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